APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPLANT PROSTHESES

Abstract: An implant prosthesis comprising human adipose tissue (20'), preferably of autologous origin, contained within an impermeable or semi-permeable membrane (40) capable of implantation during reconstructive or elective surgery such as mammoplasty.

Description: APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPLANT PROSTHESES Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the process of surgical tissue recontouring using implantable prostheses. More specifically, the present invention relates to a prostheses comprising human adipose tissue, preferably of autologous origin, contained within an impermeable or semi-permeable membrane capable of implantation during reconstructive or elective surgery such as mammoplasty. Background of the Invention The use of implantable prostheses for human body recontouring, for use primarily in the area of breast reconstruction following traumatic or surgical loss of breast tissue or, electively to augment a condition of developmental hypoplasia has been documented for over 80 years. Typically, the prostheses or implant consists of a flexible envelope containing a liquid or gelatinous material. The envelope is commonly made from silicone, polyurethane or other bio-compatible polymers with varying degrees of elastic memory and permeability. Prior art implants have been filled with a variety of materials such as foam rubber, saline and silicone oil or gel. For many years, silicone filled implants were held out as the clinically accepted standard and superior to other known filling agents, silicone being an inert substance and a natural lubricant. However, silicone filled implants have come under recent criticism by governmental regulatory agencies, members of the medical community and the public at large due to widespread reports of chronic adverse effects such as inflammation, calcification, allergic reactions and even more serious complications resulting from either traumatic rupture of the envelope or the migration of silicone through the envelope membrane or valve into the surrounding tissue and even into the bloodstream. The human body is incapable of eliminating the silicone, thereby requiring the surgical removal of the silicone and treatment of the resulting complications or disease states. Another disadvantage of silicone filled implants is that silicone is radiopaque or radiodense, causing significant obstruction and interference with radiology procedures. Saline filled implants have for some time been considered a viable alternative to silicone implants and have recently, by default, become the implant/fillant of choice. Implants filled with physiological saline (0.9%) are isotonic and bio- compatible with the fluids of the human body. Therefore, the human body possesses the ability to eliminate the saline which may leak from the implant. In the case of traumatic rupture of the implant, the liberated contents would be essentially non-toxic and non-life threatening to the patient. Saline implants also have the advantage of being radiolucent, but are less desirable than silicone because of saline's low viscosity. Additionally, saline is inherently a poor lubricant and as a result, envelopes of saline filled implants appear to rupture more quickly because of the friction caused when an envelope rubs against itself. Procedures describing the use of free fat in breast augmentation have also been documented. In these procedures, autologous fat, obtained through liposuction, is aseptically collected and, thereafter, drawn into a syringe for subsequent transcutaneous injection. The fat is injected into multiple areas of the breast in small quantities. However, these procedures appear controversial. Incidences of fat necrosis producing localized inflammation and tumor-like masses, as well as the production of calcifications or nodules formed from the complexing of fatty acids with calcium in tissue fluid have been recorded. In light of the deficiencies in the prior art, applicant's invention is herein disclosed. Drawings have been provided to illustrate, method for extracting and collecting the fat tissue and subsequently introducing a predetermined volume of fat into a flexible envelope. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, many of the deficiencies noted with respect to both silicone and saline implants are solved by the use of human adipose tissue as a fillant in a silicone envelope, the adipose tissue, preferably being of autologous origin. The adipose tissue fillant, in prolonged confinement and in the absence of infection, undergoes a liquefaction into its stable components of fatty acids and glycerol to yield a moderately viscous oil solution which serves as a lubricant to reduce the incidence of friction induced rupture. Upon implantation, the prostheses presents a natural feeling to both the patient and to the touch. The adipose tissue implant is radiolucent. Since the fat is confined within the envelope, it will not be subject to contact with fibroblasts which would otherwise cause fibrotic changes, calcification and appear in radiography procedures. However, invariably some micro-osmotic shift of the fatty acids is possible through a semipermeable silicone envelope. These liberated fatty acids will be metabolized by normal body function, or will contribute to the formation of a calcification layer on the outer surface of the envelope; a certain degree of calcification is found on virtually all envelopes regardless of fillant. In any event, the calcifications are readily identifiable in radiography procedures, such as mammographies. The adipose tissue implant of the present invention yields substantially fewer incidences of fillant rejection, especially where autologous fat tissue is utilized. In the event of traumatic rupture, the body's normal immune system can metabolize and/or eliminate the adipose tissue components. Nevertheless, in this circumstance, removal of the fillant material from the body is advised. This can largely be accomplished by irrigation of the tissue at the same time as the envelope is removed. The preferred method of the present invention involves the collection of fatty tissue, from fat sites of the patient receiving the implant using, known liposuction techniques. Either wet or dry liposuction techniques may be employed, although it has been the inventor's experience that use of the wet liposuction techniques yields more blood free fatty tissue. The collected fat is drained and rinsed, if necessary, to remove any excess blood and drained again. An appropriate amount of the cleansed fat is then measured and introduced into the internal cavity of a flexible envelope through a sealable valve. Thereafter, the prostheses is implanted using known surgical techniques. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an implantable prostheses which overcomes the dangers and deficiencies of the prior implantable prostheses, specifically saline and silicone filled implants. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an implantable prostheses having a fillant which is not harmful to the patient in the event of seepage or rupture. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an implantable breast prostheses that closely mirrors the natural feel of the human breast. It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an implantable prostheses which exhibits a markedly reduced incidence of fillant rejection compared to that of the prior art prostheses. These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from a reading of the detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a schematic view illustrating one method for extraction and collection of autologous adipose tissue for subsequent use as a prostheses fillant; Fig. 2 is schematic view illustrating one method for introducing adipose tissue fillant into a prostheses envelope; Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the stopcock used in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of a filling cannula for use introducing adipose tissue into a flexible prostheses envelope. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present invention discloses an implantable prostheses for use in reconstructive or elective surgical tissue recontouring, most commonly mammoplasty. The device of the present invention is an implantable prostheses comprising an impermeable or semi-permeable envelope containing adipose or fatty tissue. Flexible envelopes for use as an implantable prosthetic shell with an internal cavity capable of retaining fillant material are known. Such envelopes typically utilize a valve for introducing fillant material into the cavity, each envelope capable of permanent of semi-permanent sealing. Flexible envelopes for use with the present invention are typically silicone-based envelopes, although polyurethane and other bio- compatible polymers possessing various degrees of elastic memory and permeability are contemplated. The fillant material is primarily non-fibrous adipose tissue, containing a high percentage of Triglycerides, preferably of human origin and most preferably autologous tissue collected during liposuction procedures. While it is preferred that autologous tissue harvested in an immediately preceding lipectomy procedure is utilized to reduce tissue rejection problems, it is contemplated that tissue preserved by cryogenics or other means may be utilized as well as cadaver or donor tissue. The fat or adipose tissue in the preferred method is harvested and collected through suction- assisted lipectomy procedures or liposuction and obtained from localized collections of excess fat, most commonly in the hips, thighs, buttocks and lower abdomen. As previously stated, wet or dry liposuction techniques can be employed for such collection, although the inventor has found that the current wet liposuction techniques yield a more blood free fat product for subsequent filling of a prostheses. Practitioners utilizing the wet liposuction technique employ numerous liposuction solutions. The inventor's preferred liposuction solution is as follows: lOOOiu Wydase™ (hyaluronidase) 60cc 1 % Lidocaine/Epinephrine (1 : 100,000) lOOcc Sterile Water lOOOcc Normal Saline This solution is slightly hypotonic and mixes with the fat tissue as it is withdrawn. The hyaluronidase is thought to promote diffusion of the solution into the extracted tissue through hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid of any fibrous tissue. Since 400ccs or more of pure fat volume are often needed in most procedures (typically 80-800cc), such as breast augmentation, the use of a large, multi-opening cannula is preferred in order to simplify and maximize the overall fat collection. Consistent with known lipectomy procedures, a reservoir of fat is collected in a sterile suction canister. In the event insufficient fat is collected in this procedure, the fat fillant may be supplemented with normal saline or other essentially isotonic and tissue compatible liquid. A currently preferred suction canister is illustrated in Fig. 1. Suction canister 10 is an essentially two compartmented container made of suitable plastic or glass, and most preferably capable of sterilization. The adipose tissue 20 is removed via lipectomy techniques using a cannula (not shown but described above), in communication with compartment A of suction canister 10 connected with surgical tubing of appropriate diameter. The suctioned adipose tissue 20' is retained within a cheese cloth strainer or equivalent, to permit drainage. Suction is maintained using a vacuum inducing device 14, as is well known in the practice of lipectomy procedure, connected to compartment B of suction canister 10. Compartment A and compartment B of suction canister 10 are connected through an opening (not shown) in the lower portion of the common wall separating the two compartments. An off-line suction unit 16 may be utilized to remove any liquid exudate 22 via valve 18 located near the bottom of canister 10. Following cleansing and draining, as described supra, the adipose tissue 20' is transferred to a clean container 30. Here the adipose tissue 20' is withdrawn through surgical tubing into a calibrated syringe 32 using a three-way stopcock 34, shown in Fig. 3. The stopcock 34 is adapted to receive the syringe 32 at stopcock opening 35 using a friction fit. Currently a Toomey syringe is preferred. After the calibrated volume of fat is withdrawn into syringe 32, a valve 36 of stopcock 34 is rotated to provide fluid communication exclusively between syringe 32 and a filler cannula 38 through an additional length of surgical tubing. Filler cannula 38, illustrated in Fig.4, is preferably a single opening cannula having an approximately 3mm diameter and a blunt end, so as not to puncture the flexible envelope 40. In order to be suitable for use as a fillant, the fat should be as devoid of blood products as possible. To this end, single or multiple rinsing is advised. Currently, manual rinsing with a U-100 insulin-normal saline solution (1,000 U/500cc) is preferred, although it is recognized that a multitude of alternative rinsing agents could be utilized. The wash solution is thoroughly drained from the fat reservoir. Following the collection and cleansing steps, a predetermined quantity of fat is withdrawn from the reservoir using a calibrated syringe or similar device and at least a portion of this fat is subsequently injected into a selected flexible envelope of predetermined size. It is to be noted, but not required, that the inventor currently prefers selecting an envelope which has a capacity approximately 20cc larger than the calculated volume of fat. It has been found that this slightly larger envelope reduces the pressure on the seams and valve of the envelope and further allows a better feel post-augmentation without a ballooning effect. Incomplete filling of the envelope with the calculated volume of fat while the implant is external to the ultimate implant site permits easier implantation. In the case of mammoplasty, the partially filled implant is then inserted into the breast site and the balance of filling is accomplished with the implant situated within the implant site. The syringe or similar device is removed and the implant sealed. The filling and implanting procedure is repeated with the opposite breast. In prolonged confinement and in the absence of infection, the adipose tissue fillant, composed primarily of triglycerides, undergoes at least a partial liquification into its stable components of fatty acids and glycerol yielding a moderately viscous oil solution. A small amount of aqueous solution, resulting from irrigation and rinsing, may also be present. In Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) using a T-l scan, the implant generates a magnetic signal intensity essentially equal to that of normal adipose breast tissue. Implants using homogenous oil solutions, generally generate a signal of approximately ten percent (10%) greater intensity than the normal breast tissue, which may distort or obscure the image of tissue immediately in front of or before this implant. The maintenance of sterile conditions during the extraction, cleansing of the fat and the administration of a determined volume of fat into the implant is necessary to prevent the introduction of bacteria into the filled implant which could result in the necrosis of the fat fillant. As prophylaxis, antimicrobials are administered into the fat fillant. Currently the preferred antimicrobials include ciprofiloxacin or a mixture of clindamycin and vancomycin or tobramycin, although it is appreciated that countless antimicrobials, alone or in combination may be employed. Further ingredients such as anticoagulants, buffers or antioxidants are employed as needed to maintain the integrity of the fillant. While in accordance with the patent statutes, a preferred embodiment and best mode have been presented, the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, but rather is measured by the scope of the attached claim.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. An implant prostheses comprising: a flexible envelope; a volume of mammalian triglyceride containing adipose tissue retained within said flexible envelope. 2. The implant prostheses as recited in claim 1 wherein said mammalian triglyceride containing tissue is of human origin. 3. The implant prostheses as recited in claim 1 wherein said human adipose tissue is autologous to a recipient of said implant prostheses. 4. The implant prostheses as recited in claim 1 wherein said mammalian adipose tissue is derived from a cadaver. 5. The implant prostheses as recited in claim 1 wherein said mammalian non- fibrous tissue comprises fatty acids and glycerol. 6. The implant prostheses as recited in claim 1 wherein said implant prostheses further comprises an antimicrobial within said envelope. 7. The implant prostheses as recited in claim 1 wherein said implant prostheses further comprises one or more components from the group consisting of anticoagulants, buffers, and antioxidants. 8. The implant prostheses as recited in claim 1 wherein said flexible envelope comprises one or more materials from the group of materials consisting of silicones, polyurethanes and bio-compatible polymers. 9. A method for producing an implant prostheses comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a reservoir of mammalian triglyceride containing adipose tissue; (b) introducing a determined volume of said adipose tissue from said reservoir into a flexible envelope of suitable material for use as a prosthetic shell; (c) sealing said flexible envelope containing said adipose tissue, said adipose tissue being incapable of maintaining viability within said envelope. 10. The method for producing an implant prostheses as recited in claim 9 wherein said adipose tissue from step (a) is autologous to a recipient of said prostheses. 11. The method for producing an implant prostheses as recited in claim 9 wherein said adipose tissue from step (a) is obtained from an essentially tissue compatible donor. 12. The method for producing an implant prostheses as recited in claim 9 wherein said adipose tissue from step (a) is derived from a cadaver. 13. The method for producing an implant prostheses as recited in claim 9 comprising the further step of: (d) surgically implanting said adipose tissue containing envelope. 14. A method for producing an implant prostheses comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a reservoir of mammalian triglyceride containing adipose tissue; (b) introducing at least a portion of a determined volume of said adipose tissue from said reservoir into a flexible envelope of suitable material for use as a prosthetic shell; (c) surgically implanting said flexible envelope containing at least a portion of said determined volume of said adipose tissue; (d) introducing a remainder of said determined volume of said adipose tissue into said flexible envelope, and (e) sealing said flexible envelope containing said adipose tissue. 15. The method for producing an implant prostheses as recited in claim 14 wherein said adipose tissue from step (a) is autologous to a recipient of said prostheses. 16. The method for producing an implant prostheses as recited in claim 14 wherein said adipose tissue from step (a) is obtained from an essentially tissue compatible donor. 17. The method for producing an implant prostheses as recited in claim 14 wherein said adipose tissue from step (a) is derived from a cadaver.

Inventors: HANG-FU LEE, HANG-FU, LEE
Applicants: HANG FU LEE, HANG-FU, LEE
Application year: 1994
Main classification: A61F2
IPC codes: A61B19, A61F2, A61L27